A Must Have for Music Majors
John Barker | LaFayette NY United States | 01/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For all those who have bought "crossover" albums only to be disapointed by lack of technique to pull off the classical side, or a lack of understanding of the original structure on the jazz side, or just a lack of imagination/creativity in general, finally there's an album that does it, and makes you smile in the process. Anybody that has spent hours in the practice room on "mindless finger patterns" wondering how that will ever advance their career, will recognize quite a few references in the course of this CD and smile with the recognition of "well, there's a way"! This is the "fullest" album I've heard in over 50 years of being in music - don't miss it."
Latin Jazz/Classical Gem
J. Mcdaniels | Los Angeles | 11/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love both Latin Jazz and Classical music. I hate 99% of all Classical crossover CD's. I find them cheesy and unconvicing. This album works! Cucho Valdes is a master of theme and variations! He takes the Classical compositions on this CD and re-invents them in a masterful and surprising way.He reworks the Classical pieces in the same way a Jazz artist reworks a standard.He is not reverential, he invigorates these pieces. This is my favorite piano jazz CD."